Safeguarding
As a constituent member of the Catholic Church in Ireland, we, the Carmelite Order in Ireland, recognise and uphold the dignity and rights of all children, are committed to ensuring their safety and well-being, and will work in partnership with parents/guardians to do this.
Safeguarding
As a constituent member of the Catholic Church in Ireland, we, the Carmelite Order in Ireland, recognise and uphold the dignity and rights of all children, are committed to ensuring their safety and well-being, and will work in partnership with parents/guardians to do this. We recognise each child as a Gift from God, and we value and encourage the participation of children in all activities that enhance their spiritual, physical, emotional, intellectual and social development.
Over the last number of years, there have been many excellent developments in child safeguarding. Perhaps most significant for all who minister and participate in the life of the Catholic Church was the publishing of the Safeguarding Children Policy and Standards for the Catholic Church in Ireland 2016 (SCPSCCI) by the National Board for Safeguarding Children in the Catholic Church in Ireland. This one-for-all policy has been adopted by all bodies in the Catholic Church as official safeguarding policy. The document sets out seven standards, which include creating safe environments, care of both complainants and respondents, training and support, as well as providing clear guidelines on structures and procedures which foster a high level of vigilance and compliance in the whole area of safeguarding. As our understanding of child safeguarding develops, it is becoming clear that the implications of best practice reach far beyond our direct interaction with children. Safeguarding is a broader concept, which also includes and affects how we should go about recruiting and selecting staff, the maintenance of our properties, and our use of technology and social media.
We know that the Catholic Church has been damaged by the scandals of clerical abuse and at times is still treated with suspicion. Unfortunately, there is a danger that this can lead to a reticence and a reluctance to engage with children and young people. However, ministry with children and youth ministry are vital aspects of the life and ministry of the Church and should not be neglected. As Pope Francis states, “Young people can offer the Church the beauty of youth by renewing her ability to rejoice with new beginnings.” (Christus Vivit, 37). There is a danger that we can see safeguarding measures as restricting or limiting to our ministry. I would suggest that it is better to see them as framing our ministry. They provide a safe environment for us, children, and their families to explore and celebrate our Christian faith, through prayer, activity and community.
Michael Troy, Prior Provincial
Safeguarding Statement,
Structures & Roles
This section gives the official Child Safeguarding Statement of the Order, as well as outlining the various safeguarding roles and structures which are in place.
Child
Safeguarding
Policies
This section outlines the Safeguarding Policies of the Order when dealing directly with children.
Recruitment & Selection Procedures
This section outlines the clear procedures the Order follows in recruiting and selecting members, staff and volunteers.
Vulnerable Adults Policy
The area of care of Vulnerable Adults is still developing. This section contains the Interim Carmelite Policy and other resources.
Training and Vetting
This section gives information on the various forms of training and an outline of the Vetting Policy of the Order.
Forms & Resources
This section contains forms, leaflets and other resources that are important for ministry and service with the Order.
Reporting
Child Abuse
This section outlines reporting procedures and what to expect when making a report.
Contact Information
Ms Julie McCullough
Designated Liaison Person/Director of Safeguarding
Safeguarding Office, Gort Muire, Ballinteer, Dublin 16
Ph: (01) 298 4014
Mob: 087 194 7212
E-mail: DLP@gortmuire.com
